San Jose police arrest woman in kidnapping of 11-month-old girl

Karla Hernandez, 30, was arrested in the kidnapping of a 11-month-old girl. (San Jose Police)

SAN JOSE -- Police have arrested a 30-year-old kidnapping suspect nearly three weeks after an infant girl became the subject of a Bay Area-wide search that lasted five hours before she was found unharmed.

Karla Hernandez of San Jose was arrested Friday﻿ on suspicion of kidnapping, child endangerment, drug possession and other charges, San Jose police said.

The case began on the morning of March 25, when the mother of 11-month-old Gabriella Quintero told police she had briefly left the girl in the back seat of an idling car, while the mother fetched something from a home on Amador Drive in San Jose. Someone got in the car and drove off with the girl.

A massive search ensued after the mother called for help. San Jose police deployed dozens of officers, along with a helicopter, while other local police agencies joined the effort. Authorities even closed a stretch of Highway 101 for a time.

Hours later, little Gabriella turned up safe, and the stolen car was found abandoned in a driveway across town.

Officers circulated a sketch of a woman who was seen near the Amador Drive home by witnesses, shortly before the car was stolen.

Police said Saturday that the sketch and other witness information helped lead to the arrest, but authorities gave no other details on how Hernandez was identified or apprehended.